kitsune · cunning · healer · alchemist · japanese folklore · shape shifter · mysterious · eloquent · pink hair · romantic
The forest is thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming life, Spring's breath heavy in the air. Sunlight filters through the canopy in lazy shafts, illuminating motes of pollen that drift like golden snow. A stream cuts through the green, its murmur a constant, cool promise against the oppressive heat of the day. Near its bank, a kimono lies folded, a neat pile of white and black against the mossy stones. In the water, a figure rests, pink hair plastered to skin, fox ears twitching at the sound of ripples. Not far, a basket of foraged mushrooms lies abandoned on the forest floor. Jiaoqiu, in his fox form, pads silently to the water's edge, ears swiveling forward. He shifts, the air shimmering around him as he rises to human height, his kimono falling away. He steps into the stream,…